Airlines

Uncovering the 50-Year History of Kenn Borek Air: One of Canada's Largest Airlines





Kenn Borek Air has been a leader in the aviation industry since its founding in 1970. The company originally started as a small charter airline that offered services to remote areas of the Canadian North. Since then, the airline has grown and evolved to become a major provider of air transportation, air ambulance, and bush flying services in Canada and abroad.

Uncovering the 50-Year History of Kenn Borek Air: One of Canada's Largest Airlines
CambridgeBayWeather

Today, Kenn Borek Air is one of the largest airlines in Canada, with a fleet of more than 40 aircraft and a staff of over 500 employees. The company’s headquarters are located in Calgary, Alberta, and its fleet of aircraft includes single-engine, multi-engine, and turbine-powered aircraft.

The history of Kenn Borek Air begins with the founding of Kenn Borek Helicopters in 1970. The company was founded by Canadian aviator and entrepreneur, Kenneth “Kenny” Borek. Borek had a long history of aviation experience, including working with the Royal Canadian Air Force and owning a flight school. In the early days of the company, Borek and his team focused primarily on providing helicopter services to remote areas of the Canadian North.

By the mid-1970s, the company began to expand its scope and operations. The airline added fixed-wing aircraft to its fleet and began offering regular scheduled passenger flights to communities in the North. In 1977, the company received its first Transport Canada Air Operator Certificate, which allowed it to operate as an airline.





In the 1980s, Kenn Borek Air began to focus on providing air ambulance services in addition to its regular passenger flights. The airline would go on to become one of the busiest air ambulance providers in Canada. The company also began offering bush flying services, allowing it to reach even more remote areas of Canada.

In the 1990s, Kenn Borek Air began to expand even further. The company purchased a number of aircraft from other airlines, increasing its fleet size and allowing it to offer charters and other services in addition to its regular air ambulance and passenger flights. The airline also began providing services to other countries, including the United Kingdom, Norway, and the United States.

In the 2000s, the company continued to grow and expand its operations. In 2004, it became the first Canadian airline to be certified to operate in the Antarctic. In 2008, the company moved its headquarters to Calgary and began offering services to more than 100 destinations around the world.

Throughout its history, Kenn Borek Air has been involved in several aviation incidents and federal investigations. In 1989, one of its planes crashed in the Northwest Territories, killing all 11 passengers and crew onboard. In 1998, the airline was involved in a federal investigation into the possible violation of air regulations by its employees. However, no charges were laid and the company was cleared of any wrongdoing.





Kenn Borek Air has been an important part of the aviation industry for more than 50 years. The company has grown and evolved to become one of the largest airlines in Canada, with a fleet of more than 40 aircraft and a staff of over 500 employees. Over the years, the airline has been involved in several aviation incidents and federal investigations, but has managed to remain a leader in the industry.